Governor Approves Some COVID-19 Relief Dollars;
Vetoes UITF Support for Employers
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed two supplemental appropriation bills that spend $3.55 billion for vaccine distribution, COVID–19 testing, schools, direct care workers and emergency rental assistance. However, the Governor used her line-item veto power on numerous items that would have helped manufacturers and businesses throughout the state, including $150 million to shore up the employer-funded Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund (UITF) that was hit hard by fraudulent unemployment claims, and $405 million for business tax and fee relief programs.
The House attempted to override the Governor’s line-item veto of funds to support the UITF with six Democratic members crossing over to align with Republicans in recognizing the need to prevent tax increases on employers who continue to contend with challenges related to the global pandemic. Unfortunately, the 64-45 vote fell short of the necessary two-thirds vote to override the veto. MMA thanks House Republicans and Representatives Kelly Breen (D-Novi), Sara Cambensy(D-Marquette), Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek), Nate Shannon (D-Warren), Angela Witwer (D-Delta Twp.) and Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) for their support of Michigan job-providers. Additionally, the House attempted unsuccessfully to override the Governor’s veto of business tax and fee relief programs and we also express thanks to Representatives Kevin Coleman (D-Westland) and Cynthia Johnson (D-Detroit) for joining their colleagues in support of employers.
Contact MMA's David Worthams at 517-487-8511 or worthams@mimfg.org with your questions about COVID-19 relief funding and MMA’s efforts to prevent unemployment tax increases on manufacturing employers.
New & Notable
Webinar: Money on the Table — Use ERC & PPP Programs to Your Advantage
Host: Clayton & McKervey
(MMA Premium Associate Member)
Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Register online.
PPP1, PPP2 — and now ERC. As business owners wade through the acronyms to find support throughout the pandemic, they may find more questions than answers.
MMA and the CPAs at Clayton & McKervey will unpack the issues so you don’t leave money on the table.
Shareholders Jim Biehl and Sarah Russell will also look at the unintended consequences of using one or more of these programs without a full understanding of the impact. Tune in Tuesday, 3/23/21 at 1:00 p.m. to learn how to use government programs to your advantage in 2021 and beyond.
Resources for Manufacturers
Stay updated and compliant with the many changes imposed over the last few weeks. Find state, federal and member resources on MMA’s COVID-19 Resources.